Is Your Roof Prepared for Hurricane Season?
The National Weather Service has designated May 5th through May 11th as Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2024. However, it’s essential to continue preventative measures throughout the summer and fall.
For those residing along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, or Pacific coastlines, preparing your home and outdoor spaces for hurricane season should be an annual maintenance task.
Learn how to protect your roof and home during the 2024 hurricane season.
When is the 2024 Hurricane Season?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, though storms can occur outside these dates. The Eastern Pacific season starts earlier, on May 15th. Homeowners in high-risk areas should take proactive measures for the upcoming hurricane season.
Roofs with specialty products, such as shingles designed for high wind resistance, are built to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
What Causes Hurricanes?
Hurricanes develop when humid tropical air evaporates from the sun-warmed ocean. This moist air condenses into clouds that grow and form thunderstorms, sometimes repeatedly. Additionally, low pressure near the ocean surface can enhance the upward movement of warm, moist air.
The entire mass of clouds and winds eventually starts to rotate due to the Earth’s spin, with storm winds rotating clockwise or counterclockwise depending on their location relative to the equator. Hurricanes strengthen as they feed on warm, moist ocean waters but generally weaken when they move into cooler areas or over land.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classifies storms by their wind speeds. Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds starting at 74 miles per hour, while Category 5 hurricanes can have sustained winds over 157 miles per hour, causing catastrophic damage.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricanes from 1 to 5 based solely on their maximum sustained wind speeds. This scale does not account for other deadly hazards such as storm surges, flooding from rainfall, and tornadoes. It is used to estimate potential property damage. Hurricanes rated Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes and can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and loss of life due to their strength. Hurricanes of all categories can produce deadly storm surges, floods, and tornadoes, necessitating protective actions like evacuations from vulnerable areas. In the Pacific Northwest, tropical cyclones with sustained winds over 150 mph are termed “super typhoons.
2024 Hurricane Predictions
PREDICTED ACTIVE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON IN 2024
Hurricane experts predict the number of tropical storms and potential hurricanes each season based on weather patterns, water temperatures, and historical data.
While 2023 saw 20 named storms, the forecasts for 2024 suggest even higher activity. Meteorologists point to two main factors behind these elevated predictions.
Changing weather patterns: The El Niño climate event that began in June 2023 is expected to give way to a La Niña pattern during the peak of hurricane season. La Niña makes the Atlantic Ocean basin more conducive to storms and hurricanes.
Rising water temperatures: Atlantic Ocean temperatures were already above average at the end of winter. As summer approaches, these temperatures are likely to rise further, providing abundant fuel for storms.
AccuWeather meteorologists currently predict:
- 20-25 Named Storms
- 8-12 Hurricanes
- 4-7 Hurricanes of Category 3 or higher
Hurricanes developing in the Atlantic Ocean basin, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, can significantly impact multiple areas of the United States. Residents and businesses in coastal and nearby inland regions should stay informed and prepared.
Living near the ocean means dealing with hurricanes, but there are several measures you can take to protect your home and family.
- Adhere to evacuation orders.
- Develop an emergency plan.
- Gather essential supplies.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Secure your home by boarding up windows, clearing gutters and downspouts, and storing outdoor equipment.
Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane
Whether faced with a severe hurricane or a strong tropical depression, wind gusts, flying debris, and heavy rain can cause significant damage to your home.
Roofs are particularly susceptible due to their exposure and large surface area. Strong winds can create uplift forces that may tear shingles from your roof, leaving edges and eaves especially vulnerable. Once the shingles are damaged, the wind can compromise the underlayment, making your roof unable to withstand the relentless rain.
If shingles are blown off during a storm, there’s a risk of water seeping through the roof deck into your walls and ceilings. Follow these guidelines to help prepare your roof for the 2024 hurricane season.
Arrange for a Pre-Season Roof Inspection
To improve your roof’s chances of withstanding a severe storm, address any issues before the bad weather hits. Schedule a roof inspection before hurricane season begins to check for loose or cracked shingles and damaged flashing. This is also a good time to explore ways to reinforce your roof for strong winds.
Provide Additional Support
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider strengthening your roof’s framing. While it’s easiest to add support during the home’s initial construction, it can also be done through the attic space. A professional roofing contractor can discuss various reinforcement options with you, such as:
- Braces
- Collar Ties
- Strapping
Select High-Quality Materials
The roofing materials you choose can influence the extent and type of damage your home sustains during a weather event. That’s why roofing professionals and insurance companies recommend selecting products that have been tested for wind performance and proven effective in real-world scenarios.
Consider these accounts from homeowners who faced Hurricane Ian in 2022 and saw their roofs endure the storm’s intensity. Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles with SureNail® Technology offer triple-layered protection, while Oakridge® shingles feature a double-layered nailing zone for added wind resistance. These examples illustrate how specially engineered shingles can enhance your home’s wind protection during storms.
Alongside choosing high-performance asphalt shingles, consider these additional measures to prepare your roof for the 2024 hurricane season:
- Asphalt Cement: Apply this under loose or unsealed shingle tabs, on ridges, and along roof edges for extra security. If shingles are easily lifted, fortifying your roof with an ASTM D4586-approved asphalt cement can help create a more secure seal.
- Synthetic Underlayments: These provide an extra layer of protection between the wood decking and shingles, especially against wind-driven rain. They can help keep elements out if shingles are lost during a storm.
- Self-Adhered Underlayments: Ice and water barriers are designed to protect areas where water collects or flows, such as valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights. They help prevent water from penetrating the roof deck during heavy rain driven by strong winds. In hurricane-prone areas, contractors might apply WeatherLock® Ice and Water Barrier options over the entire roof.
Prepare Your Home in Advance
When it comes to hurricanes, taking proactive measures is more effective than dealing with emergencies as they arise. Ensure your home is hurricane-ready by scheduling regular inspections and using dependable products designed to withstand wind gusts, heavy rain, and flying debris.
Explore Insurance Discounts for Hurricane Preparedness
Taking proactive steps to protect your home might qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. In some states, insurance companies are required to offer discounts to homeowners who follow hurricane-related building codes**.
Depending on your insurance provider, you might need to arrange a wind mitigation inspection. During this inspection, a certified professional will evaluate how well your home can endure strong winds. They will assess various aspects of your home, including the siding, windows, doors (especially garage doors), and roof.